Monday, June 20, 2016

It is easy to complain about living with diabetes. It is easy to be frustrated by insurance policies and the hoops we jump through for our diabetes care. It is easy to be angry about how much of our income we spend on diabetes supplies. And it is easy to get burned out on diabetes advocacy at times, because there are so many important causes out there that need our attention. I’m sorry to say I’ve felt the burnout quite a bit in the past few month. But then, something comes along to put it all in perspective.

What if you didn’t know how or when you will get your next bottle of insulin? What if you didn’t have test strips? What if the healthcare system was completely shut down? What if war forced you from your home? How would you survive?

I'm fortunate to know I have the supplies I need to live with diabetes.

I have NEVER faced a question like that. In over 36 years with diabetes, I always knew I could get the insulin I needed. So the Insulin for Syrians appeal launched by T1International last week was a huge wake up call about how lucky, how privileged I am. I made my donation last week, and I’m grateful to be able to help spread the word about this initiative, especially since today is World Refugee Day.

If, like me, the thought of wondering where your next shot of insulin is coming from scares you and makes you sad, please consider a donation to Insulin for Syrians.

I so agree. When I start to complain about the cost, I should be thankful that I am in a country with health insurance and my two children with diabetes do not go without what they need. I read about a country recently where the mortality rate was extremely high due to no insulin. So sad. Thanks for posting about awareness.

Yes you are lucky to have your meds as I am. But let's not forget the people in th U.S. that can't afford the copay to get their's.All in all. A trip to the Endo cost quite a bit. Between gas, parking, office copay, script copay. People with fixed income and health insurance sometimes go with out. Because they can't cover the cost of getting there.

I agree with you, and have not forgotten that people in the US struggle too. However, what I'm sharing here is my personal experience, and I have admitted that I am lucky that I've never have had to worry. I care ALL who don't have access to the supplies they need, regardless of what country they live in.

This is a great post! A lot of those people are in need of this and much more. I actually purchase strips from people who have extras and don't use them and re-sell to those who cannot afford them due to the fact that they have no insurance and I also donate to diabetic organizations. They help out those in need! This is a wonderful post! Thank you!

I Am . . .

Karen Graffeo

I'm a Knitter living with Type 1 Diabetes. I'm not a medical professional nor am I giving medical advice - I'm just a girl sharing my personal thoughts and experiences with diabetes. I live in New England with my wonderful husband, my adorable cat, and lots and lots of yarn.